Mangrove \Man"grove\, n. [Malay manggi-manggi.]
1. (Bot.) The name of one or two trees of the genus
Rhizophora (R. Mangle, and R. mucronata, the last
doubtfully distinct) inhabiting muddy shores of tropical
regions, where they spread by emitting a["e]rial roots,
which fasten in the saline mire and eventually become new
stems. The seeds also send down a strong root while yet
attached to the parent plant.
Note: The fruit has a ruddy brown shell, and a delicate white
pulp which is sweet and eatable. The bark is
astringent, and is used for tanning leather. The black
and the white mangrove (Avicennia nitida and A.
tomentosa) have much the same habit.
2. (Zo["o]l.) The mango fish.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) |